Who’s Next to Commit? Breaking Down Penn State’s Top Targets & OV Weekend Buzz
Happy Valley is buzzing, and it’s not just the anticipation for the 2025 football season, which kicks off in just 100 days against Nevada. The Penn State coaching staff, led by James Franklin, is in full recruiting swing, and the upcoming official visit (OV) weekends are poised to be pivotal in shaping their 2025 and even 2026 classes. With a solid foundation already in place, the focus now shifts to landing the final pieces and securing a truly elite haul.
The Nittany Lions have already welcomed several key additions to their 2025 roster, including the reclassification of defensive end Daniel Jennings, a highly-touted four-star prospect. This strategic move strengthens the defensive line immediately, demonstrating the staff’s agility in adapting to needs. Additionally, the recent signing of transfer wide receiver Trebor Pena from Syracuse provides a much-needed boost to the receiving corps, an area where Penn State aims to add more dynamic playmakers.
The spotlight, however, remains firmly on the uncommitted targets, particularly after a crucial round of official visits. Penn State has been making strong pushes for several blue-chip defensive backs, and recent buzz suggests they’re trending positively. Four-star cornerback Jaziel Hart out of Virginia, for instance, has been a major focus, with expert predictions rolling in for the Nittany Lions. His decision, expected soon, could provide a significant boost to the secondary class.
Another top cornerback target generating considerable excitement is Maryland native Khary Adams. He’s made multiple visits to Happy Valley, and the Nittany Lions appear to be in a strong position. Similarly, Georgia’s four-star cornerback Dorian Barney has also had positive official visits to Penn State, with reports suggesting he’s highly impressed. Landing one or even two of these elite corners would be a tremendous win for the Nittany Lions’ defensive backfield.
Beyond the secondary, Penn State continues to prioritize offensive playmakers. While they’ve already secured talent at wide receiver with Jeff Exinor Jr. and multiple tight ends, they are still actively pursuing other dynamic pass-catchers to complement their offensive scheme under Andy Kotelnicki. Names like four-star wide receivers Phillip Bell, Koby Howard, and Naeshaun Montgomery remain high on the board, and their upcoming visits will be critical in determining where they land.
On the offensive line, securing another top-tier talent like four-star interior offensive lineman Malachi Goodman from New Jersey would solidify an already strong unit. The Nittany Lions are also actively recruiting various other positions, looking for the best fits to build out their roster.
The next few weeks of official visits are paramount. Penn State has a reputation for closing strong, and the energy emanating from these visits often translates directly into commitments. As recruits spend extended time with the coaching staff, interact with current players, and experience the campus atmosphere, the Nittany Lions hope to turn positive buzz into official pledges. The collective strength of this 2025 class, currently ranked among the nation’s best, will largely depend on how James Franklin and his staff capitalize on these crucial official visit opp
